Course Overview

As part of this development track we will explore the basics of Physical Computing working with the Raspberry Pi. We will learn about the different capabilities of the Raspberry Pi, we will learn how to setup the Raspberry Pi board, connect up various different sensors / peripherals to the Raspberry Pi board, create fun projects with the Raspberry Pi and also learn to program the Raspberry Pi.

The Raspberry Pi is a low cost, credit-card sized computer that plugs into a computer monitor or TV, and uses a standard keyboard and mouse. It is a capable little device that enables people of all ages to explore computing, and to learn how to program in languages like Scratch and Python. It’s capable of doing everything you’d expect a desktop computer to do, from browsing the internet and playing high-definition video, to making spreadsheets, word-processing, and playing games.

This is an introductory electronics track but we would highly recommend that you complete some of the other coding, electronics and development tracks before you consider taking up this one.

1. Introduction to coding concepts with Scratch I
2. Introduction to coding concepts with Scratch II
3. Introduction to coding concepts with the BBC micro:bit I
4. Introduction to coding concepts with the BBC micro:bit II
5. Introduction to coding concepts with the BBC micro:bit III
6. Introduction to the Raspberry Pi

Prerequisites –

1. This tutorial makes extensive use of the Raspberry Pi 4B
2. If you haven’t purchased a Raspberry Pi 4B yet you might want to head over and pick one up now.
3. You can pick up both the Raspberry Pi 4B at OzToyLib – https://www.oztoylib.com.au/.

About the Raspberry Pi 4B

The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is the latest version of the Raspberry Pi. Just add a keyboard, mouse, display, power supply, micro SD card with installed Linux Distribution and you’ll have a fully fledged computer that can run applications from word processors and spreadsheets to games. The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B builds upon the features of its predecessors with a new, faster processor 1.5Ghz Quad Core Cortex-A72 Processor on board to increase its speed. It also features on-board WiFi and Bluetooth Low Energy capabilities to enhance the functionality and the ability to power more powerful devices over the USB ports.  The latest Raspberry Pi 4 Model B offers 1GB/2GB/4GB LPDDR4 SDRAM, Full-throughput Gigabit Ethernet, Dual-band 802.11ac wireless networking, Bluetooth 5.0, Two USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ports, Dual monitor support with resolutions upto 4K (WOW!!!), VideoCore VI graphics, supporting OpenGL ES 3.x and 4Kp60 hardware decode of HEVC video.